We are pleased to announce a new art salon series with October Gallery .
The first salon will be on "The Art of Transformation" and will focus on the work of Alexis Peskine, and his exhibition "Power Figures" at the gallery. In this salon we will explore the nature and meaning of material transformation, especially in relation to the artist's process of conveying concepts and ideas either by transforming objects themselves or our perception of them. In connection to Peskine's exhibition, we will consider how he metaphorically associates the nail with the Black Experience, using a seemingly banal tool to demonstrate strength, perseverance, and self-possession, with an energy startlingly reminiscent of the power figures of the Congo.
Acclaimed artist Sara Shamsavari (and friend of Alexis Peskine) will give an introduction to the topic from the perspective of an artist.
Dr. Karen Salt, assistant professor at the University of Nottingham, will join us as speaker and discuss the political dimensions of this topic in a talk entitled "Black sovereignty, nullification and the entangled epistemologies of survival."
The event will include a viewing of the exhibition, extended comments by the speakers on the topic, and salon conversation.
RSVP required to: justinek@publicspheresalons.com
Alexis Peskine, Shrine, 2016. Nails, moon gold leaf, mud, paint and varnish on samba wood, 250 x 250 x 50cm. Image the artist, courtesy October Gallery, London
Alexis Peskine, Adieu, A Toujours, Aljana, 2016. Moon gold leaf, Nails, lacquer & varnish on palets, 21’ x 16’. Image the artist, courtesy October Gallery, London